On March 27, Noah Drezner, Ph.D., will discuss “Queering Philanthropy: Emerging Research on Alumni Giving From and Supporting the LGBTQ Community,” which is part of the Mays Family Institute Diverse Speaker Series.
Drezner’s talk will focus on his research that shows how and why people in the LGBTQ communities engage in philanthropic behaviors, specifically within the context of giving to higher education. His talk will also explore how straight Americans might choose to support queer communities with their giving.
In preparation for his talk, we’re reflecting back on Susan Taylor Batten’s talk—the most recent conversation in the Diverse Speaker Series—about philanthropic leadership on issues of race and equity and her personal journey working in philanthropy.
How did you become involved in working with philanthropy and foundations?
Susan Taylor Batten (STB): I come from a family who all have careers in helping professions, including teaching and nursing. I became a social worker after receiving an MSW from Howard University that eventually led me to a job in public service and policy research with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Then, I was tapped to work for a center in Philadelphia doing back office work for foundations.
I had never heard of philanthropy or foundations as a profession, but I thought philanthropy was a sector that could seed innovation and take risks with resources to figure out ways to support vulnerable families. (more…)